O'Connor leads the Wallabies: Schmidt bets on experience vs. Ireland

James O’Connor leads the Wallabies in the crucial clash against Ireland

The experienced player James O’Connor has been called upon to take the reins of the Wallabies, who are looking to revitalize their season in Dublin against Ireland. O’Connor returns to the number 10 fly-half position, at a critical moment for the team. In a scenario where Joe Schmidt returns for the last time to the city where he is revered, the coach has opted for the experience of O’Connor, 35 years old, to inspire a necessary renewal on Saturday. After suffering five defeats in their last six matches, including losses to England and Italy, Schmidt hopes that O’Connor, who led Australia’s victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park, will repeat his feat. In the opening position, where several players have rotated this year, O’Connor replaces Carter Gordon, who suffered a quadriceps injury and was left out of the squad. Tane Edmed, who lost his place to Gordon after his performance against England, will be on the bench.

James O'Connor is back in the Wallabies No. 10 jersey for this weekend's clash with Ireland

“They saw Carter at the match, he got injured immediately after kicking, he’s very cramped and we think it’s a risk to put him back in this week,” Schmidt declared. “That ruled out Carter, so we’re left with Tane and that’s one of the reasons we brought James back. Tane has had a pretty busy schedule lately.”

“We’ve tried to give the team a bit of freshness. To be honest, there’s a bit of wear and tear, and James, he just brings a bit of freshness. As you mentioned, he was on vacation in Morocco, so he’s a bit fresher. And we hope that gives us a bit of a boost in the match.”
Joe Schmidt

Len Ikitau, another key player, also returns to the team at Lansdowne Road, resuming his partnership in the center with Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii for the twelfth time in the last 16 Wallabies tests. Max Jorgensen has been selected as fullback, ahead of Andrew Kellaway, in an attempt to revitalize the team’s attack and secure a place in the top six in the ranking, crucial for the World Cup draw. In the first line, Allan Alaalatoa also returns to the starting XV, with Angus Bell fit to start. Changes have been made in the second row, with Tom Hooper moving to the lock position alongside Jeremy Williams. Rob Valetini will play as blindside flanker. Nick Frost will be on the bench, while Carlo Tizzano, recovered from an injury, comes in as a substitute in the third row.